Creighton slips by South Florida in OT

Bluejays’ Holt sets NCAA record with 43rd career shutout

OMAHA, Neb. -- Ethan Finlay delivered a golden goal in the 97th minute, as No. 2-seeded Creighton defeated No. 7-seeded South Florida 1-0 on Sunday afternoon. The goal moved the Bluejays into their fourth College Cup in program history. Senior goalkeeper Brian Holt stopped three shots, all from Big East Offensive Player of the Year Dom Dwyer, to set an NCAA record with his 43rd career shutout.

Minutes after Finlay sent perhaps his best scoring chance of the match just left of the goal, he was able to capitalize on another opportunity in the 97th minute. Andrew Ribeiro ripped a shot attempt from outside the 18 yard box, but the shot deflected off of a USF defender and right to Finlay. He then sent a shot into the lower left side of the goal to further ingrain himself into Creighton men's soccer lore.

The game-winner was his team-leading 14th goal of the season and his sixth game-winner of the year. The score was also his sixth career NCAA Tournament goal, tying him with Brian Mullan and Mike Tranchilla for the school record. His 20th career game-winning goal served as his third overtime game-winner.

The victory preserved the second perfect home season in school history, as the Bluejays finished 14-0-0 in Omaha, setting a school record with their 14th home win.

After a tightly contested first half, which saw 19 fouls whistled and Creighton outshoot the Bulls 6-3, play settled down in the second half. The Bluejays controlled most of the play in the second half, outshooting USF 11-3 in the second half and 3-0 in overtime. Only seven total fouls were whistled in the second half after a very physical first stanza.

Dwyer was contained for a majority of the match by Bluejay senior defender Jace Peters, but the Bulls' leading scorer was able to put three shots on frame after the second half. All three of his shots came in a seven minute span, including his first shot on goal on a long free kick in the 62nd minute, which was followed 21 seconds later from close range. Dwyer moved deep into the 18-yard box on his final shot attempt as well, but Holt turned him away again.

Creighton would outshoot its visitors 20-6 in the NCAA Quarterfinal match, and own a 10-2 edge in corner kicks.